Day: October 17, 2023

The Toronto Raptors kept Scottie Barnes “off limits” in trade talks for both Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, sources tell Zach Lowe of ESPN.

After winning Rookie of the Year, Barnes put up similar numbers in Year 2 by averaging 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Barnes, however, was less efficient as a scorer and the Raptors were eliminated in the play-in.

The Raptors are at a franchise crossroads after losing Fred VanVleet in free agency with Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby eligible for free agency next offseason. Barnes appears to be the foundational piece for the Raptors as they move into the next phase of their franchise.

The Denver Nuggets lost Bruce Brown this offseason. Most consider that a major loss for the defending champions. Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth doesn’t necessarily agree.

Booth is high on second-year wing Peyton Watson taking a big step forward this season. So much so that Booth believes Watson is ready to replace Brown, albeit in different ways.

“Some of these teams were trying to get Bruce, trying to make it worth it; it’s like, just be careful what you wish for,” Booth said about the rivals that pursued Brown. “Peyton’s bigger. He’s longer. He’s more athletic. He guards better. He passes better. He doesn’t have the experience, and he’s not as good offensively yet, but we need defense more than we need offense on our team.”

Brown signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers this past summer. The Nuggets were limited in how much they could offer Brown, as they held only Non-Bird rights for the veteran wing.

Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth was candid in discussing how he’s built the roster since taking over two seasons ago. Booth said finding a balance has been one of his goals. And finding that offense-defense balance led to a trade last season.

On trading young guard Bones Hyland, Booth said defense and finances paid a part. Booth said that there was just too much overlap with Hyland and Michael Porter Jr. on the roster together.

“I knew you couldn’t have two guys that couldn’t guard, and we couldn’t have two guys that were young and kind of more ‘me guys,'” Booth said. “Mike makes $30 million. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. So, Bones, there’s no place for you.”